Google wants self-driving cars in Nevada

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Google has been working long and hard on self-driving cars. You may remember late last year when Google’s fleet of self-driving vehicles were caught on the road. Google initially said the technology was at least eight years away from prime time. Even if that’s still true, it hasn’t stopped Google from quietly lobbying the Nevada state legislature to pass a law making it legal to operate the self-driving vehicles on public roads.

There are two bills in the Nevada legislature relating to this. The bills would also allow users of self-driving vehicles to text while sitting behind the steering wheel – the one they wouldn’t be using. Additionally, the bills would allow users to operate the self-driving vehicles by programming a destination and letting the vehicle drive there without human intervention.

Google noted that their fleet of self-driving vehicles have already been active on roads in California, and even brought out a Las Vegas lobbyist to discuss how the vehicles could increase fuel efficiency and decrease accidents. In the long term, self-driving vehicles that are connected to a network that’s aware of traffic and road conditions could automatically optimize a “driver’s” commute based on traffic, construction delays, and other obstacles on the roads. This also ties in to Google working with Ford to get its Prediction API into cars.

Google is also eyeing commercial applications for the autonomous vehicle technology. In the future, you could summon taxis or rental vehicles to your location without having to get a ride from someone, or request a tow and a rental at the same time if your vehicle breaks down on the side of the road.

Current semi-autonomous vehicle technology allows cars to park themselves and to be self-aware of their proximity to other vehicles. Still, lawmakers warn there are no laws on the books to address completely autonomous vehicles, and who’s responsible or liable for issues and incidents that involve them. Regardless, it’s also just as possible that Google is looking to Nevada first so they can show up at CES in Las Vegas next year with a fleet of self-driving vehicles to show off their technology.

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Red5ive

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David P.Curcione

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